The Defence Headquarters has assured stakeholders that elections in the southeastern part of the country will be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. The military high command noted that similar challenges were faced during the 2019 elections, yet the polls proceeded successfully. They emphasized that this year’s elections would not be an exception. The region has experienced significant insecurity, primarily linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra, who have attacked security formations and facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
During a biweekly briefing for journalists on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, revealed that military operations in the region have been “rejuvenated.” He stated, “Operations are already ongoing in the South East; the operations have been rejuvenated. We have both kinetic and non-kinetic measures in place. During the last election, despite challenges, the elections were conducted in the region, and the same will occur in 2023. While we cannot deny that there may be one or two incidents, elections will take place in the southeast and in other regions of the country.”
Regarding the recent miscalculated airstrikes in Nasarawa and Niger, the military refrained from commenting to avoid involvement in those issues. Danmadami also asserted that there are no territories in the country under the control of terrorists. He clarified, “There is no territory under the control of terrorists. Yes, we have pockets of them in several parts of the country, which is why we conduct operations daily. On Election Day, the armed forces of Nigeria will remain apolitical. The police are the lead agency for elections in Nigeria, but we will continue to play our supportive roles.”
Danmadami emphasized that troops have been provided with a code of conduct to guide their participation in the elections. He warned that any soldier found culpable of misconduct would face consequences. He stated, “We have distributed the code of conduct among our troops. I can assure you that any unwanted act will be dealt with decisively. You all witnessed the previous elections; they came and went without major incidents. There is no difference between that election and this one. Let us remain positive that nothing will happen, and I assure you that this country belongs to all of us.”
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